Most people wonder from time to time, “What am I doing with my life?”
Questions like these swirl around in plenty of minds all over the world.
So, if you’re scratching your head wondering, know that you’re definitely not alone.
We’re all here travelling the journey of life.
Some people, for one reason or another, have a better sense of what their purpose is. They know what career brings them fulfillment or what kind of lifestyle brings them contentment. Maybe they’ve known since they were little or simply had an “aha” moment that gave them clarity.
Others just aren’t so sure. They’re not satisfied with what they’re doing or maybe even how they’re feeling.
What about you?
Today, let’s discuss how you can gain more clarity when it comes to passion and purpose in life – and how you can spend your time.
This is common question, as there are many roads to choose along life’s journey.
As spiritual beings navigating life, it’s easy to get lost – especially if you aren’t really looking at any instruction manuals.
The reality is that there are many roads or paths to choose from.
And, it’s not necessarily a “right vs. wrong” thing.
But remember, your path is yours and yours alone.
Your experiences are yours, your passions and dreams are yours, and even if you feel a bit lost right now, it’s alright.
There is a season for everything. The path you are “supposed” to walk depends on your true desires and passions.
The more you discover about yourself, the clearer your particular path will become.
Be gentle with yourself every step of the way.
It helps to contemplate various questions regularly.
As you ask yourself these questions and answer them, you are learning how to be true to yourself.
You’re discovering your true wants, needs, and passions. There are many people living life just as everyone else is, fulfilling the status quo. But you don’t have to settle for that. You really can enjoy your life’s journey by being true to yourself and being optimistic as you walk your path.
Understand that we are all intuitive beings.
This means that we all have an “inner voice” that will lead and guide us to walk on the path that is optimal for us. Haven’t you ever felt that certain nudge that prompted you to say yes to something or no to something else?
Listen for that inner voice as you make decisions and walk your life’s journey. The more you do, the easier it will be for you to hear and follow that voice.
Here’s a simple exercise you can do to get a feel for what kinds of things cause you to feel passion and meaning.
Now, notice you’re not seeking the answer to the question, “What is my purpose?”
Why?
Because we exist for far more than just ONE purpose.
Now, back to the question, “What can I do with my life?”
It might look something like this:
List as many things as you want. There’s no right or wrong in this exercise. You’re simply gaining some insight and momentum right now.
Now, write in big letters, “How do I want to feel?”
Then list how you’d like to feel.
List as many emotions as you want, such as:
Then, once you’re done with that list, look at your first list. Take some of the things you’d like to do with your life and match them to particular feelings.
For example, maybe travelling makes you feel ecstatic. Make a note of it.
Travelling makes me feel ecstatic.
Or, maybe helping teens that feel depressed makes you feel excited and grateful. Note that too.
Take some time to play around with your feelings and ways you’d like to show up in the world. As you do, you should be able to come up with a handful or more of things you can do with your life to feel purpose and meaning.
Some people wonder what they should do with their life decade after decade. They want to do something different than what they’re doing, but they don’t make the effort to actually change.
There’s a saying that applies nicely here:
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
If you desire to travel a different or more meaningful path, resist the temptation to procrastinate. If you find yourself really struggling to get momentum doing, get yourself a life coach or therapist.
It can help to have that extra boost, insight, and guidance.
Do You Procrastinate? 4 Things to Keep in Mind to Get You Going
Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
You might be tempted to stay stuck in “frustration mode” if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life. But you don’t have to stay there.
Life will have its ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dance in the rain. In fact, talk to those who get out there and splash, dance, and laugh in the rain. They’ll tell you it’s exhilarating!
Choose to enjoy the journey, even if you have no idea where the destination is. Experience joy in doing even the simplest of things while you walk your journey.
Enjoy the moments as they come.
Try not to get worked up about knowing your ultimate life purpose.
Many people become consumed with fear over not fulfilling their purpose in life. However, there really is no set purpose for anyone. In fact, there are many reasons we are here!
We’re here to:
If you don’t know the “main” purpose for your life, it’s alright. Spend time focusing on those things that bring you joy and add value to humanity.
If you get up each day and think, “I’m going to show up for myself and others today in love and service”, then your life will be rich and rewarding. There’s no doubt about that.
It’s common to feel some fear around this topic, but the reality is that there’s no such thing as failure.
Maybe things don’t work out as you thought, but that’s alright.
You can learn valuable lessons from the situation and move on. Any successful person will tell you that they hit plenty of hurdles along their journey, but they didn’t let them bring them down.
Neither should you.
There’s the saying,
“Feel the fear and do it anyway”.
That’s great advice. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to your comfort zone, but sometimes it helps to get on out and try something new – even if you’re afraid.
So, if you’re wondering what you should be doing with your life, that’s a good thing.
At least you’re pondering the topic, which can help you lean in to find out what makes you tick. You’re learning what brings you those core positive feelings you desire to feel, from the simple to the more complex.
Just keep along your individual journey doing the best you can each day. Enjoy all of it – the curiosity, the soul searching, the clarity, progress, etc.
It all creates you as a unique and pretty amazing person.
Editor's note: This article was originally published Jun 10, 2023 and has been updated to enhance reader experience.
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Good day, this advice came just at the right time when I was somehow paralysed with the fear and the fact that my life seem to be stucked and going nowhere. Now at least I know that everybody goes through the same feelings but we all have to get up dust ourselves off and start doing something about it. This advice gave me a better perspective and it will go a long way in giving the fuel I need to simply just START instead of wishing.
We couldn't have said it better ourselves, William! You are NOT alone in feeling like you are stuck sometimes, but as you said, it's up to you to dust yourself off and just try. You don't have to climb a mountain. Just get started. It's a very brave thing to do, and keep doing :). We hope this helped and you are moving forward in a positive way! Take care 🙂
What a fantastic article. When life is easy & joyful & carefree its a no brainer. When it gets sticky is the time to dance in the rain and enjoy life anyway!
Well said Pamela. That's how we build resilience - life is not easy all the time and it's in the hard times we have the opportunity to learn and grow, as hard as they can be.
Very awe inspiring
Thank you Pauline!